Willian, it's time for the Champions League semi-finals! Looking back, what are your thoughts on the journey to get here, and on reaching this stage for the third consecutive season?
“It’s been a great journey. I think the way we approached it was very important for us, because we’ve had good and bad moments. But we’ve been able to lead this team with lots of responsibility, always looking to improve as a team, as a group, seeing how we can progress, and with the humility to want to win things. Once you’ve won something, it’s very difficult to win again. So we still have that hunger, that collective ambition to win, to win again and to reach the semi-finals. Now, the fact that we are facing a two-legged tie against Bayern, who are a very tough side to play against, motivates us a lot because we are aware of all the work we’ve done so far, and also because of the way we’re playing and the fact that we’re becoming more and more confident in ourselves.”
You’re coming to the end of your second season in Paris… How do you feel you’ve developed since joining the club?
“I feel great, I’m really happy, I feel like I’m improving every day, I’m learning every day. It’s always the team that helps me a lot, seeing how the team is, as a family, as a group. That’s what’s always helped me improve and grow.”
"We all see the squad, the team, as having the same mindset, the same work ethic, the same focus, and the same competitiveness. I think that’s what defines this team and this club."
There seems to be a very strong connection between you... How do you explain that?
“I think we all see the squad, the team, as having the same mindset, the same work ethic, the same focus, and the same competitiveness. I think that’s what defines this team and this club, where every day we always want to win, train incredibly hard, and always give our all for the club, for the team. That’s the most important thing for us: being like a family. We always support each other. I think that’s good for us.”
Speaking of connection, the partnership you have with Marquinhos is impressive...
“Marqui is an incredible person. I think I said that as soon as I arrived. I’ve always had that support, mainly from him, right from my first day, as well as that trust. He’s a great person on a human level. He’s also very quick to tell you things… he doesn’t hold back! I think that’s what has also allowed me to help him, as well as the Paris defence, by having a clear idea of how I can do so. I think that’s where you can make a really good contribution and always contribute to the team, like he has done for many years.”
"The support of the fans will be very important, because they always have that desire and way of pushing us on. I think it’s very important for us."
Bayern are now on the horizon. How are you approaching this two-legged tie?
“We’ve already played them, but every match is different. So I think we need to prepare well, have the same mindset, believe in ourselves and stick to our style. That’s what’s got us here. We’ll have to prepare well for the two matches ahead of us. You always have to believe in yourself, believe in your ideas, believe in your approach, and then prepare yourself mentally and be fully focused, because these are matches where the small details make all the difference.”
You’re very popular with the fans… How do you explain that?
“Yes! When I arrived in Paris, right from day one, I felt their support, always in a very positive way. For example, during the match at the Parc against Liverpool last year, when we came out and saw everyone singing, I think that helped us believe in ourselves even more. Their support will be very important, because they always have that desire and way of pushing us on. I think it’s very important for us because sometimes, in the middle of the match, you hear them singing, shouting… It fills you with greater emotion, greater motivation, so you can give everything you’ve got.”
